One of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself from illness and disease is to reduce your exposure to chemicals. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there are about 700 chemicals coursing through your body, many of which can be found in the cleaning supplies in your home. These chemicals include potent, hormone disruptors, formaldehyde, and cancer causing 1,4 dioxane. Exposure to these chemicals have been linked to chronic disease like asthma, autism, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
But wait! Don't just sigh and give up ~ there IS something you can do! Using a few simple household items, you can easily make your own non-toxic DIY household cleaners. Not only are homemade cleaners healthier, they are way cheaper than store-bought too! Double bonus! Here are a few of my favourite recipes for Homemade Household Cleaners:
BASIC INGREDIENTS
It doesn't take much to make your own non-toxic household cleaners. Here is a list of basic things that I use:
CASTILE SOAP: Castile soap is a vegetabel soap made from 100% pure olive oil, water, and lye. It acts as a surfactant and helps lift dirt and cuts through grease.
UNSCENTED BIODEGRADABLE DISH SOAP: This is what I use to hand wash my dishes with, but I also use it as a base for many of my other household cleaners.
VINEGAR: White vinegar has antiseptic properties and is a great cleanser and degreaser. You can also use apple cider vinegar. Don't mix castile soap and vinegar.
BAKING SODA: Baking soda is cheap, naturally abrasive, and a great deodorizer. It is completely biodegradable.
RUBBING ALCOHOL OR VODKA: Alcohol has a neutral pH and is a good alternative when acidic liquids like vinegar are too harsh. It is great for streak-free glass and helps to preserve essential oils.
ESSENTIAL OILS: Many essential oils are known for their antiseptic properties. They are a great way to "super-charge" your green cleaners. Some of them are wonderful degreasers, deodorizers, and brighteners as well. Not only do essential oils get things clean, studies show that they can help you in other ways - from lifting your mood to boosting your immune system. Might as well perk yourself up while you're cleaning the house!
MY FAVOURITE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR GREEN CLEANING
THIEVES: Thieves is a potent blend of Lemon, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus and Rosemary. It has long been used for it's cleansing properties and immune boosting properties.
PURIFICATION: Purification is a blend of Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavandia, Rosemary, Tea Tree, and Myrtle. It is an amazing deodorizer which cleanses and purifies nasty odours. It is also known for it's cleansing properties.
TEA TREE OIL: Everyone's favourite! Tea Tree is highly regarded for it's cleansing properties. It is recommended for stimulating the immune system and for supporting the respiratory system.
LEMON OIL: Lemon is not only cleansing, it actually improves moods as well! It is a powerful degreaser and natural brightener. I should add that you can substitute any citrus oil here (I really like Pink Grapefruit and Orange Too)
LAVENDER OIL: Lavender's cleansing properties make it ideal for green cleaning. It is a wonderful deodorizer, and is also known for it's calming effects on the nervous system. Lavender also promotes restful sleep.
PEPPERMINT OIL: With its refreshing minty scent and powerful antibacterial properties, peppermint is a perfect complement to homemade cleaning products. It also acts as a natural pest deterrent.
A WORD ABOUT QUALITY
Please note that in order to get the therapeutic benefits of essential oils you need to use 100% Therapeutic Grade Oils. Only about 2% of essential oils sold are considered therapeutic grade. There is no standard for EO's and so many of the oils you find may be adulterated or synthetically manipulated and can actually contain harmful ingredients. That is why I only use Young Living brand, and also why I promote and distribute them. I am an essential oil snob and only want the best.
Young Living own their farms and they run a very tight supply chain. I trust their oils above all others because they are PURE and UNADULTERATED. They aren't in the business just to make pretty smelling oils - they are made for therapeutic use.
10 SIMPLE DIY HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS
BASIC HOUSEHOLD CLEANER
1 cup vinegar
1 cup water
6-10 drops essential oil of choice (Thieves, Lemon, Tea Tree or try my favourite blend of Grapefruit, Peppermint and Lavender)
Method: Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Spray onto surface and wipe with a clean cloth. Use to clean household surfaces.
HOUSEHOLD CLEANER
2 cups water
1/4 cup castile soap
6-10 drops essential oils of choice (Thieves, Lemon, Tea Tree etc)
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Use on counter tops, bathroom, toilet, or anywhere that needs a good cleaning.
DIY GLASS CLEANER
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vinegar
1 cup alcohol
6-10 drops lemon essential oil
Method: Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Use on a clean cotton cloth or newspaper to clean glass, granite, or stove top.
TOILET BOWL CLEANER
1 cup vinegar
1/2 cup baking soda
2-3 drops Purification or Thieves
Method: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Dump into toilet bowl and use toilet brush to clean. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes to allow essential oils and soda to remove odour.
ALL PURPOSE SOAPY CLEANER
1/4 cup unscented biodegradable dish soap
water
6-10 drops essential oils
Method: Pour soap, and essential oils into a large squeeze bottle (I usually use empty shampoo bottles) and top up with water. Shake gently and use to clean sink, toilet, or shower.
DIY SOFT SCRUB
1 cup baking soda
1/4 cup castile soap
5 drops Thieves, Lemon, Lavender or Tea Tree
water
Method: Combine baking soda and soap in a small bowl. Add enough water to make a smooth paste. Use to clean tubs, toilet, and tile.
DIY FLOOR CLEANER
1/4 vinegar
5-6 drops essential oils (Thieves, Purification etc)
hot water
Method: Fill up your mop bucket with hot water. Add vinegar and essential oils.
DIY CLEANER WITH SOAP
4 l water
2 Tbsp castile soap
4-6 drops essential oils (Thieves, Purification, lavender, tea tree etc)
Method: Combine all ingredients and use to clean floors.
HARD CORE DEGREASER
1 cup castile soap
2 Tbsp alcohol
15 drops Lemon essential oil
Method: Combine ingredients in a glass container. Shake before use. Apply to damp cloth or sponge and wipe surface clean.
CARPET DEODORIZER
1 cup baking soda
5 drops Thieves, Purification, Lavender or Tea Tree essential oil
Method: Combine baking soda and essential oils. Sprinkle on carpet and allow to sit for 30 minutes and then vacuum.
GROUT CLEANER
1/4 cup baking soda
enough water to make a paste
5 drops lemon essential oil
Method: Mix ingredients to make a paste. Scrub mixture onto grout in a circular motion using a brush. Rinse and repeat as necessary.
Interested in learning more about natural solutions for women's health and beauty? Join Keeping It Real Natural Living FB group! It's the home of my FREE Detox Your Diet in 7 Days Challenge too!
